A week today I turn 22! I’m starting to feel old and slightly sad that i’m not going to be 21 forever. However, I am super duper excited for the celebrations to begin and of course for some new gifts. So with a week to go I thought I’d make my wishes and hope that a few of them come true…

1) Canon Camera

I have wanted a camera for so so long now, when I was in university we could use them but sadly I’m no longer a student so the perks have gone. I would absolutely love love love to finally get a camera so I can start taking better pictures for my blog.

2) Money

You can never really go wrong with money and it is something I need at the moment. I currently have 4 baskets full on all different websites. I need to start getting all my Thailand clothes together yet I need new winter clothes so it’s going to be an expensive month.

Ok so pretty ‘naff’ month with my goals. I started this month with motivation to achieve my set goals unfortunately this was not the case. However, I did achieve some plus there’s always next month.

Embrace Wales

With working full time and having quite a hectic month it’s been quite difficult to do this and I haven’t really explored somewhere new yet. However, I did go to London and explore when attending my first blogging event.

Yesterday I attended my first ever blogger event and it is safe to say it won’t be my last. When I first seen Bloggers Festival trending on Twitter I was so eager to go. However, I didn’t feel I was good enough to be attending an event (there is no such thing as not good enough) as I have now learnt. Fortunately, I won tickets from Isabel Watson and then there was no excuse it just seemed like fate.

Prior to the event I was very nervous and was so unsure about what to wear, in the end I thought I’d go for a classy but casual style. I added my hat to make it that bit more dressy! Once I got on the train my nerves just dissapeared and the excitement just got more and more.

I am officially a graduate – still sounds weird. It became official on Friday 21st July and it already seems like a lifetime ago. Is it just me that thinks this year is flying? Anyway, considering it’s that month of September where the whole routine makes a comeback I thought it would be a good time to reflect on my three years at university and share my tips and advice with you guys…

1. It’s ok to admit you are scared/ anxious/ lost

More than likely you will be moving away from home. Now if going somewhere new on your own isn’t a scary thought I don’t know what is. I remember packing up my stuff ready to leave my home that I had never left longer than 10 days, and I felt a whole load of emotions. I was shouting at my mum, hugging my boyfriend goodbye, and smothering my pup. I think the hardest part is actually getting and the car and going. Once I was on my way my sadness turned to excitement and I was ready to start my new journey. But having that cry and breakdown before I went was ok because I was able to admit my feelings. I guess it was better to do it around people who loved me rather than having to deal with it later on my own.

2. Leave your comfort zone and make new friends

Don’t be afraid to hang around in the kitchen and introduce yourself to your new flat mates you’ll feel much better rather than being sat on your own. My biggest tip is find somebody on your course and message them to meet this was a life-changer for me! Just by searching someone on Facebook I made a friend for life and felt much more at ease knowing I had somebody to walk with and talk to on my first day. Continue reading →

Trust me to start thinking of summer goals now it’s coming to an end. I suppose I’ll be way ahead for next summer and can also squeeze a few into the last summer days of September. Anyway the past few weeks I’ve really got into my blogging which has started leading me in different directions. Here’s some that I will attempt this month…

Embrace Wales

Only after last weekend has this become a fresh goal. Walking around the wonderful castle walls of Conwy and stopping for a spot of lunch was a Saturday well spent (plus it was the perfect picture moment). When you live somewhere it is not often you stop and appreciate your surroundings, my trip to Conwy was very touristy with a little visit to the smallest house in Britain. Not only was it a cheap fun day out but it made me realise there are so many other places to explore and I cannot wait to do so. Climbing Snowdon is next on my list.

Bedroom Makeover

You may have seen in my wishlist post that I am planning on re-vamping my room. I really want to put it into action and have it finished by the end of this month – if I haven’t I give you permission to slap my wrists. I feel like having a new room will provide me with more motivation because is there anything more motivating than a cute little workspace? But first to get round to emptying it.

Chef Jasmine

With us having a kitchen extension the take away delivery lot may as well move in. Everything is upside down, and I know I shouldn’t use it as an excuse not to eat healthy but microwave meals just aren’t the same as freshly cooked food. My god I am craving salmon and vegetables. Anyway so if the kitchen is done this month it’s time to get my body coach book back open and get sprucing up some tasty yet healthy meals.

Blogging

I am overwhelmed by the amount of support I have had. I’m so so so close to 10k and not that numbers matter but it gives me such a warm feeling knowing that people read my posts. After receiving the most wonderful and heart-felt feedback on my autism post it has encouraged me to start writing more lifestyle posts. I found that last month I had all my content wrote up but not enough pictures so this month is a picture month.

SAY NO!

Saved the best till last! This is going to be the most difficult. Let me tell you I’m a Libra… what are Libras? Indecisive. I find it really hard to say no if I get an invite somewhere I have to go, and not always because I want to but sometimes because I feel guilty. Lately, I’ve had things going on every weekend that involve food and alcohol which then involves money. The next day I wake up with a banging headache craving fatty foods, and an empty purse thinking to myself I could have gone and explored somewhere beautiful but here I am patching pieces of the previous night together. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love a glass of prosecco in my hand or having a kebab in my hand at 3am. But it’s got to a point where I enjoy it once a month rather than every weekend. I always say ok because of the fear of being judged or because of guilt. So let’s see if this month I can say NO!

Ok, let’s be honest social media has become the ‘big thing’. Is there a time we’re really off it? Whether it’s to avoid the chores that have to be done or you don’t want to get out of bed so scrolling through your friends, aunties, mothers Facebook is the easiest option.

If you want to know something about sport, he will tell you the name of the person that plays for what team. He’ll even tell you the date they joined if you have a tendency to know.

If you ask him about a holiday, he will tell you it was to Portugal 2011, and on the Thursday we went to watch Barcelona play and they won 3-0. The last time he ate prawns was on a Friday 4 years ago, but he didn’t like the texture. He is one of a kind with the most wonderful abilities.

He is caring. He is funny. He is him.

His ways are not like mine and not like many, his unique ways often get seen as ‘weird’.

My brother has autism.

Acceptance wasn’t easy. The typical words of certain teachers saying he’s not as well behaved as you or he doesn’t take after you, the look on my friends / boyfriends face when they first heard the funny noises he would make.

To compensate for the disability, I decided I needed to be the best at everything. For as long as I remember, I dreamt about going to university and making my parents above and beyond proud. I wanted to be that clever child that people didn’t expect. To me, I could be the only ‘proof’ that my parents were good parents so that other people didn’t judge. Let me tell you I could not have been more wrong…

To be that person dealing with a disability on a day-to-day basis means every day is something different. One day it’s chaotic the next it’s rewarding. You grow up before your time. I remember a friend saying to me you’ve grown up far too quick, but I always had that motherly instinct. I felt like in school I needed to be there for him. Why has he had no dinner? Why is he walking around on his own? Sometimes I love him and sometimes I hate him and that’s ok. You have to change a lot – maybe put your phone on silent or change the time you shower so it doesn’t interrupt his routine. However, the life experiences you gain turn you into a caring and independent adult who knows the true value of family.

I have always been a confident person; I could talk the legs off a donkey (literally). So, trying to understand and accept that my brother didn’t want to hang out with friends or go out anywhere was difficult. At times, I often felt confused how somebody could be so scared to talk to other people (I mean I loved it). I didn’t understand why he didn’t want a phone – I couldn’t part with mine. I wondered and still do wonder on his bad days if he does hate his big sister, but then an hour later he wants a movie night with me. I didn’t understand why he looked so normal but he didn’t act what is judged as ‘the norm’.

What I don’t question is will he be ok? Because I know he will be. He has faced challenges that I myself and you will probably never face. He is a blessing that has made me more aware of all the differences around us. Because of him I am a more patient, kind and helpful lady.

Judging a person does not define who they are, it defines who you are; accepting that each individual is different and some a little bit more different makes you a better person. At no time is anyone above you. Disabilities unravels feelings and emotions, you never know where the tunnel ends, but you walk with your family and travel the distance. My parents are the most inspiring, caring and loving people and with their determination and persistence, Kyle and I have grown up as strong young adults with respect, love and loyalty.

To him, you are you. Don’t you ever change. The crazy outbursts you have has made us stronger. You have defined caring and family for me. By your side I will always stay.

To any siblings, you are brave and your mum and dad love you just as much, but your sibling needs that extra bit of attention. Keep being bold and brave. You do get your rewards; they are your reward.

I’m currently saving for my trip to Thailand in November so unfortunately haven’t really been able to treat myself. But, we can all wish can’t we?

Clothes

I’m almost ready to leave the summer clothes behind now (not that we’ve had much of one) maybe better luck next year. On that note, I am ready for the autumn items to start making their appearance. I have been seeing a lot of comfy-looking jumpers – perfect for my Sunday chill days.

My usual holidays would be summery dresses and going out clothes, but I feel like Thailand is an excuse for a completely different style. I have seen some funky cropped trousers that I will be purchasing to take in my suitcase or backpack rather.

More gym clothes – I mean if anything is going to motivate you get back into the healthy living what better way than some sassy new gym pants. I looove the North Face Leggings from JD sports. I feel like all my gym clothes have gone loose (good thing I suppose) but slightly annoying when you are on a tight budget.

Last but not least pjs! Probably what I wear most honestly if I could live in my pj’s I 100% would. The first thing I do when I get home is pop them on and make a cup of tea. Having new pjs is perfect when you know you are having an at home pamper night. Then again when aren’t they perfect?

Shoes

Pretty ok with my current shoes but I’d love to add some vans to my collection! The prices of vans are really quite good so I think they are definitely something that I will purchase in the next few months.

Room accessories

Since coming home from university, I’ve really disliked my room so I’ve decided it’s time for a fresh makeover. My mother won and got to do the kitchen makeover first (which is an extenstion) so it’s going to take around 5 weeks. Once that is out the way I’m re-doing my room and already have the perfect vision in my head.

I will do some more posts when it comes to my new room.

Pictures

Ok ok so probably the most important yet most expensive, a new cannon camera is definitely on the cards. I just haven’t quite worked around my boyfriend yet he has agreed to get me one for my birthday but October feels so far away. In the meantime, I want some polaroids to start adding to my memory collection.

I used to be a huge lipstick lover. My go to colour was a ruby red, but I had a change of heart earlier this year and became a gloss only kinda girl. So my new favourite lipstick is the Urban Decay – Rouge A Levres- Sheer.